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New-look Patriots under coach Mike Vrabel face big test in preparing to play AFC East-leading Bills

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Mike Vrabel is well aware of how the tables have turned in the AFC East rivalry between New England and Buffalo since his eight seasons as a Patriots linebacker in the 2000s.

As a player, Vrabel was part of a perennial Super Bowl-contending team that won 15 of 16 road trips against Buffalo. The Patriots’ first-year coach now appreciates the challenge New England (2-2) faces in traveling to play the AFC-leading Bills (4-0) on Sunday night.

“One, we don’t have any choice,” Vrabel joked of the five-time defending division champion Bills, who have won 14 straight regular-season home games.